"friends" is the limit though. you don't get the same camaraderie that you get between males that you get between male and female.

and yes there are exceptions but this is on a general, 80% of the population basis. (don't ask me about homosexual men being friends with women, i don't understand that deeply having no experience in that field.)

I mean i don't know a lot of straight male human beings which enjoy to be the personal stuffed animal/slave for there best female friends without thinking being laid of them. I know there is something like a asexual relationship, but thats a rare case.

The just do them some favor because they think that will get them laid in one day.
Or just watch: How I Met Your Mother – “Hooked”